The Provincial Assembly of Sindh on 11-August-2025 unanimously passed a resolution while reaffirming the status of members of religious minorities as equal citizens of Pakistan, whose fundamental rights are fully protected under the Constitution of 1973.
The lawmakers, both on the treasury and opposition benches of the House, spoke on the resolution, and hailed the services and contributions of the religious minorities for the development and progress of the country. The resolution in question was moved in the PA by Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, while speaking in the assembly, recalled the historic vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, calling August 11 a day that reminds the nation of the founding father’s landmark speech.
“We are gathered here in the same Assembly Hall where the Pakistan Resolution was first passed,” said Shah. “On August 11, 1947, Quaid-e-Azam presented his vision for running the country, declaring that everyone was free to go to their temples, mosques or any other place of worship, and that religion or belief had nothing to do with the affairs of the state.”
He noted that while Pakistan achieved independence in 1947, it was in 2009 that then-President Asif Ali Zardari officially declared August 11 as National Minorities Day. “Since then, we have observed this day every year, just three days before Independence Day, to reaffirm Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of equality and justice for all citizens.”
The CM emphasised that the green in Pakistan’s flag represents the Muslim majority, while the white symbolises the country’s minorities. Referring to historical events, he said that on June 26, 1947, the PA voted in favour of joining Pakistan, with 33 members supporting and 20 opposing, making Sindh the first province to back the creation of the new nation.
Quoting Quaid-e-Azam’s words, he said: “The Quaid considered himself the protector of Hindu minorities in Pakistan.” He also cited the vision of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who wanted a Pakistan that belonged to everyone with equal rights, and Benazir Bhutto, who believed that while dictators use religion as a tool, people always reject extremism through democracy, human rights and equality.
Shah reaffirmed Sindh’s identity as the land of Sufi saints like Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Sachal Sarmast and Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, all of whom preached religious harmony. “The people of Sindh have always rejected attempts to spread division, and will always be remembered for peace and love.”
Highlighting initiatives for minority communities, the CM said the Sindh government had enacted the Hindu Marriage Act, outlawed child marriages, protected places of worship for all faiths, and provided educational and employment opportunities for minority youth. He vowed to continue promoting interfaith dialogue as a means of fostering peace and unity while preserving religious and cultural heritage for future generations.
Concluding his speech, he urged everyone to pledge equality: “No one is big or small; all are equal. There should be no fear or deprivation, only respect and opportunity for all. This is Quaid-e-Azam’s Pakistan and the vision of our leadership. Let us work together to fulfil it.”
Senior Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon said on the occasion that while the green crescent flag symbolises Pakistan’s independence, its white portion stands as a guarantee for the rights and freedoms of minorities.
Memon said Quaid-e-Azam had stressed the importance of granting equal rights to all minorities residing in the country, a principle that is also enshrined in the Constitution.
He said minorities in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh, have always been accorded respect, protection and representation. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is the only political party that has given representation to minorities not only on reserved seats but also on general seats, he added.
Citing examples, he noted that PPP’s lawmakers Mahesh Kumar Malani, Gianchand Israni and Hari Ram were elected to general seats. He pointed out that the PPP leadership’s decision to send Krishna Kolhi to the Senate in her traditional attire was widely appreciated at international level.
He said that when President Zardari launched the Benazir Income Support Programme, a significant number of its initial beneficiaries belonged to minority communities. He added that in the ongoing 2.1 million housing project in Sindh, a substantial number of houses, along with ownership rights, are being allocated to minority families.
He also said Pakistan presents a unique example in the world where security is provided to temples, churches and other places of worship, while in India, minorities enjoy no protection for their lives and properties.
Published in News Daily on 12-August-2025.